Well since the government seems to be focussed on its get 50% of the population into University plans, perhaps alcohol should only be cheap to students in student venues? Everyone else pays a premium?
Hmmm, not too sure I think that'd work, what about ordinary people who drink responsibly, it's not fair that they should pay a premium because of the idiots out there. There needs to be a way to differentiate between the people who can drink responsibly and those who can't, and the only sure way of knowing is serve everyone and pick up the wasters later. IMO the only way to tackle problems like this is with stricter sentences / fines for "rowdy behaviour".
They don't mean normal beer - they mean Asda Smartprice lager at 20p a can or whatever. Personally I think the problem lies in the drinker, not the drink. Once we tackle the mentality of being a thieving gobshite, the problem will be less of a problem.
There is a obvious concern at the moment regarding the number of youngsters drinking alcohol, but the price is only part of the issue. The main concern has to be how they are able to procure alcohol in the first place, tougher measures need to be taken against shops that sell kids the drink (and those who buy on behalf of underagers), get caught selling to kids loose your drinks license not some silly little fine.
I wouldn't go so far as to say I drink repsonsibly per se, but I only do it on n every so often basis. More to the point I have never comitted a crime or been anti-social while under the influence (or while not for that matter)... Why does to government want to punish me for other peoples problems
I can't believe anyone would drink that pisswater. I say let them drink as much as possible, natural selection will take care of the problem.
Unfortunately with a national health system we end up paying for all their assorted problems. I say just start shooting the *******s.
The main burden on the NHS though is old and overweight people, I'm willing to bet the government makes a **** load more from taxes on alcohol and ciggies than it costs them. I think the main problem is the social acceptance of alcohol, in fact it goes beyond acceptance, its more like a rite of passage, people are pushed into it by peers and brought up with the idea that alcohol is cool, and you aren't cool if you don't binge on it in crowded sweat houses and then retire outside for the traditional punch up in the street.
This is a load of rubbish. I can accept the government making rules for children, since they don't have as many rights (it's not possible for an 8 year old to use alcohol responsibly). But the government shouldn't be telling legal adults what they can and cannot do with alcohol, nor should they be telling private establishments what price to sell alcohol for. What we need are much tougher penalties on crimes carried out while drink (harsher than the same crime while sober).
